Find out how popular the first name Cala has been for the last 42 years (from 1982 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cala by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Cala is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cala.

The history of the first name Cala

The name Cala has its origins in various cultures and languages around the world. It is believed to be derived from the Latin word "calamus," which means "reed" or "pen." In ancient Rome, calamus was used to refer to the reed pens used for writing.

Cala is also a place name found in several regions. In Spain, there is a town called Cala d'Or, which is located on the island of Majorca. The name means "Golden Cove" in Catalan. Additionally, Cala is a common prefix in Italian place names, often referring to small bays or coves along the coastline.

The name Cala has been recorded throughout history, although it was not as widely used as some other names. One of the earliest known references to the name can be found in the writings of the Roman poet Ovid, who lived from 43 BC to 17 AD. In his work "Metamorphoses," he mentions a character named Cala.

In medieval times, there are records of a few individuals bearing the name Cala. One notable example is Cala de' Monaldi, an Italian noblewoman who lived in the 13th century and was known for her patronage of the arts and literature.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained some popularity, particularly in Italy. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Cala Maria Sforza, an Italian Renaissance ruler and military leader who lived from 1442 to 1503. She was known for her strategic brilliance and her role in defending her territories against foreign invasions.

In more recent history, there have been several notable individuals named Cala. Cala Brendan Forlong was an Irish writer and journalist who lived from 1819 to 1887. He wrote extensively about Irish history and culture.

Another noteworthy figure was Cala Yevik-Brutskaya, a Russian artist and painter who lived from 1880 to 1970. She was known for her vibrant and expressive works, which often depicted scenes from Russian folklore and daily life.

Lastly, Cala Curto was an Italian film director and screenwriter who lived from 1924 to 2013. He is best known for his collaborations with renowned directors such as Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti.

While not an extremely common name, Cala has a rich history and has been borne by individuals from various cultures and backgrounds throughout the centuries. Its connection to ancient writing implements and its presence in place names contribute to its unique and intriguing history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cala was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cala, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!